Van Meter Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

A day at the dog park is supposed to be fun, but it can quickly turn into a trip to the emergency room if a dog attacks. The Van Meter dog bite attorneys at Walker, Billingsley & Bair want local residents to understand how liability works at a dog park, what compensation may be available for permanent disfigurement, and when it makes sense to bring in a dog bite lawyer.

Dog Bite at a Dog Park: How Negligence Determines Liability

One of the benefits of a dog park is that it is usually optional whether to keep the dog on a leash. This means that even if the city has a leash law, it would not apply in the event of an attack at the park where the owner is allowed to let the dog off the leash. But that does not mean if the dog bites someone, no one is liable. In general, the same rights a person has outside a dog park apply in the park as well, meaning a dog owner is liable for injuries and damages his or her dog causes to others with limited exceptions.

Owner Liability at a Dog Park

While negligence might play a role in some dog bite cases at a dog park, such as an owner knowingly allowing a dangerous dog loose, Iowa's dog bite laws state that the dog owner is strictly liable for his or her dog's actions that cause injuries. So even if the dog owner was completely responsible and the dog bit someone anyway, the dog owner is still liable for damages. However, if the dog has rabies and bites another person, the dog owner is not liable for damages unless the owner knew the dog had rabies and could have prevented the attack.

Park Liability at a Dog Park

Sometimes the owner of the park is also negligent and liable for injuries. This might be the case if the park owner is aware that a dog owner constantly breaks the rules and brings an unsafe dog to the park but fails to address it. This can be a very complex scenario, and in most cases it is the dog owner alone who is liable, so victims who believe the park might be liable should speak with an attorney. If the park near Van Meter is privately owned, it may be easier to file a claim as opposed to a park owned by a local government, which might be immune from liability in some cases or may require the claimant meet certain criteria to file the claim.

Seeking Compensation for Permanent Disfigurement from a Dog Bite

Disfigurement from a dog bite may be associated with a range of damages that could be recoverable in a claim, including medical bills needed to treat injuries related to the disfigurement, as well as any emotional damages the victim experiences.

A Closer Look at Disfiguring Dog Bite Injuries

Although some dog bites leave superficial wounds that require nothing more than a good cleansing, other injuries puncture or tear the skin or cause severe disfigurement, causing the skin to be raised, jagged, or otherwise look unnatural. When damage to the skin is significant, it could require skin grafting, and orthopedic surgery to repair broken bones may be necessary in some cases. It may also be necessary to have reconstructive or cosmetic surgery performed, and infection is a common concern with dog bite victims, so vaccinations or other precautionary treatment may be administered.

Damages From a Permanently Disfiguring Injury

In cases of disfigurement from a dog bite, a victim may recover two types of damages: economic and non-economic. Economic damages relate to the medical care and treatment received, as well as other financial expenses and losses, including the income a victim is without while recovering. Non-economic damages address the consequences and losses experienced as a result of a disfiguring dog bite injury, which may include pain and suffering, mental anguish, or diminished quality of life resulting from embarrassment over severe scarring and difficulty with social situations.

When You Need a Dog Bite Lawyer in Iowa

After a serious dog attack, you may face hospitalization, surgery, and extensive time off work. While you focus on recovering, a dog bite lawyer near Van Meter can fight for your rights. A lawyer who is a good fit for your case should know the pros and cons of Iowa dog bite law and can take the time to explain your legal options.

Why Handling It Yourself Can Backfire

When you attempt to handle a dog attack case on your own, you may spur resentment, which can be worsened by the fact that you are not familiar with what needs to be said to have your claim settled fairly and efficiently. It is not uncommon for a victim to make accusations that are not necessary under Iowa dog bite law. With the guidance of a dog bite lawyer, the victim can leave all accusations up to the attorney, which can make matters less stressful. A shrewd attorney will not confront the dog's owners, try to make them feel guilty, or threaten to have the animal euthanized unless it is absolutely necessary, and would first seek your permission. If you prefer a gentle approach, perhaps because it was your neighbor's dog and you do not want litigation to ruin the friendship, that is how your case can be handled.

Considering Future Medical Costs and Lost Wages

Another benefit of hiring an Iowa dog bite attorney is that you may face additional medical care in the future or treatment for scarring or disfigurement, for which you may be compensated. An attorney will not just address your current medical bills, but will also consider future ones, such as plastic surgery, long-term physical therapy, or rehabilitation if your injuries were severe enough to require several surgeries. With injuries often comes additional missed time from work, and an attorney can help calculate financial losses to be considered in your claim based on Iowa dog bite law.

Choosing the Right Attorney

The emotional trauma of a disfiguring injury can be devastating. If there is scarring to the face, hands, arms, or legs, their visibility can be a painful reminder that lasts a lifetime, and compensation could be available that addresses scarring. A good attorney will ensure this is part of your claim and will work hard to ensure the full value of your case is addressed. In addition to an attorney who has handled these types of claims and has a good understanding of Iowa dog bite law, you should choose one that you can trust, and references can be a great way to determine if you are selecting the right fit.